Fluid agitator

ABSTRACT

A fluid agitator that utilizes a small liquid flow to develop a large volume of air entrained liquid flow at an easily directed and adjustable flow controlling nozzle. The agitator is radially used with conventional home bath arrangements or with special pump systems for use in therapeutic treatment of individuals or in the cleansing of objects.

United S'tatesPatent [1 Patterson 1 Jan.2,1973

s4 FLUID AGITATOR [7 6] Inventor: James T. Patterson, 54 South Main,

Farmington, Utah 84025 22 Filed: Aug.20, 1970 211 Appl.No.: 65,629

[52] US. Cl. ..239/428.5, E03c/l/08 [51] Int. Cl ..E03c 1/08 [58] Field of Search ..259/1, 4; 2339/4285 [5 6] References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,087,285 10/1967 Great Britain ..239/428.5

Primary Examiner-Lloyd L. King Attorney-B. Deon Criddle [57] ABSTRACT home bath arrangements or with special pump systems.

for use in therapeutic treatment of individuals or in the cleansing of objects.

11 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTED M 2 ms SHEET 1 BF 2 FIG 2 FIG 4 .INVENTOR. JAMES T. PATTERSON ATTORNEY PATENTEUJAN 2 197a SHEET 2 UP 2 FIG 5 FIG 6 so u ATTORNEY 1 FLUID AGITATOR BRIEF DESCRIPTION There has long been a need for therapeutic massage equipment that is low cost, readily adapted to conventional bath systems, and easily used and controlled.

Prior Art The most commonly used apparatus for such treatment involves high priced pump systems and special circulating systems. This is not only costly, but it also requires a great deal of space that may not be available in the usual home, and also may require that a special bathtub to be used.

, There have also been developed some attachment units that are intended for use with conventional bathtubs, but these have not been entirely satisfactory since they generally have required a high pressure input to obtain a desirable pressure application at the nozzle and because the high pressure stream used quickly depletes the available source of hot water.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a low cost unit that can be selectively used either with a conventional home type bath or with a special pumping system, using either electric or gasoline powered pumps, for example, to give an effective therapeutic hydromassage while at the same time conserving the hot water from the source supplying the unit.

Another object is to provide a unit that is easily regulated and that will effectively mix air and water at a control nozzle so that maximum massaging is obtained.

Still another object is to provide a unit that will impart sufficient agitation to a body of liquid in which it is placed that it will effectively clean objects placed in the body during operation of the unit.

Principal features of the invention include a nozzle that has a diffuser orifice through which main stream flow is sprayed; an expanding throat into which the sprayed main stream flow is projected, en masse; air passages arranged such that air is entrained into the spray mass; and side ports in the nozzle head through which liquid surrounding the nozzle can be recirculated back through the nozzle. Maximum efficiency of the unit is thus obtained, since the spray mass entrains a maximum amount of air which is then ejected with the water as an increased fluid volume. Additional efficiency is obtained as a result of the liquid discharging into an air pocket as air is entrained, thereby insuring a continuing momentum of the combined fluids. v

In some embodiments, the invention further includes a nozzle housing that can be twisted or a squeeze handle and a valve to regulate flow and that has intake openings in a side wall thereof through which liquid surrounding the nozzle is recirculated. A removable Venturi orifice in the nozzle provides a passage for a low volume main flow stream and insures entrainment of both air and recirculated liquid to be discharged with the main flow stream through the discharge opening of the nozzle. Separate passages are provided for the main stream of liquid and the air into and through the housingto a mixing chamber adjacent the Venturi nozzle.

The entire unit is made to bereadily disassembled for Additional objects and features of the invention will,

become apparent from the following detailed description and drawing, disclosing what is presently contemplated as being the best mode of the invention.

THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the invention arranged for therapeutic use in a bathtub that is shown fragmentarily;

FIG. 2, an enlarged side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG..1;

FIG. 3, a central longitudinal section, taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4, a transverse section, taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5, a view like FIG 3, but showing another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6, a similar view of still another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings: e

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, thefluid agitator is shown generally at 10. Theagitator includes a nozzle 11, an outer air hose l2, and an inner water hose 13, shown connected to a pipe 14 extending from the faucet 16, above a bathtub 17. A 'diverter valve controlled by handle 18 selectively controls flow v by a ring 24 in a groove 25 surrounding section 22 and a groove 26 inside section 21. Both sections 21 and 22 are preferably made of polyurethane or other suitable, strong resin so that they will not mar surfaces with which they may come in contact and so that heat will not be readily transmitted through from the interior of the housing.

Section 21 has a flared outlet passage 27 leading from a throat 28. Holes 29 are provided through the section and into the throat. An orifice member 30 is inserted into the section 21 upstream of the holes 29 and the orifice member has a passage 30a flared towards the outlet end and tenninating adjacent to the holes 29.

A fitting 31 inside section 21 has spaced air ports 32 extending longitudinally therethrough and a threaded central bore. Set screws 33 are threaded through the wall of section 21 tosecure fitting 31 to the section so that they will turn as a unit. 1

Another fitting 34 isthreaded into the centralbore and is provided with a flared discharge passage that is spaced from but aligned with the passage'30a so that water discharged through fitting 34 will spread into a spray that essentially fills passage 30a before passing through outlet end 27 and out of the nozzle.

A valve stem 35 is threaded into the end of fitting 34 and has a valve head 35a on the end thereof adjustable within the flared discharge passage to control flow there'through. A passage 35b extending partially through the valve stem 35 provides an inlet for water, which is then passed through openings 350 to the interior of fitting 34, before passing out through the flared discharge passage thereof. Valve stem 35 is provided with a shoulder 35d having an O-ring seal 35e therein in sealing engagement with the interior of fitting 34 to prevent reverse flow through the fitting.

Valve stem 35 is threaded into section 22 such that the passage 35b is in alignment with a central passage 37 through the section 22. Other passages 38 are spaced around the passage 37, to provide air intakes, as

- will become more apparent.

A fitting 39 extends into the section 22 such that a passage 40 thereof is in alignment with passage 37 and a flexible hose 12 is connected by the usual fittings 42 to the fitting 39 and to the pipe 14. Thus water from the pipe 14 is passed through the hose 12, passage 40, passage 37, passage 35b, the flared discharge passage of fitting 34, an air pocket 340 at the end of fitting 34, orifice member 30 and outlet end 27.

The passages 38 open into a bore 43 surrounding fitting 39 and another flexible hose 13 that surrounds hose 12 is coupled to the section 22 so that air from above the level of water in bathtub 17 is drawn in through the hose l3 and passages 38. The air then travels through air ports 32, is entrained in air discharging from the flared discharge passage of fitting 34 and is sprayed through orifice member 30. As the water is ejected through the discharge passage of fitting 34 it pulls air thereinto. The amount of air so entrained can be varied by turning section 21 with respect to section 22. This moves fitting 34 with respect to the ends of air passages 32 and changes the effective suction tending to entrain the air. In addition, such turning will move the flared discharge portion of fitting 34 with respect to valve stem 35 and continued turning will seat the valve stem against the passage to prevent further flow therethrough.

The water and entrained air discharging through outlet end 34 pulls in additional fluids through the holes 29. Thus, if the nozzle 11 is in the air, additional air will be entrained. If the nozzle is underwater additional water will be entrained.

In any event, with the apparatus disclosed, maximum use is made of the line pressure available to the user. The main stream flow from pipe 14 creates a vacuum which pulls air in through the air hose 13. The air comes into the outer laminar surface of the main stream and it has been shown that this reduces the friction and increases the velocity of the moving stream as it is then channelled through the orifice member 30. The Venturi effect formed by passage through orifice member 30 then pulls in a maximum amount of fluid through openings 29, thereby giving a maximum discharge from the nozzle. For therapeutic uses it has been found that application of the discharging stream to body areas provides a soothing massage affect. The nozzle is readily movable to discharge against different zones of the body and when applied under water, even from a distance of four to six inches, good body stimulation is obtained. The use of a maximum mass of discharging fluids insures a maximum massaging effect and, as will be apparent, the nozzle can be used with conventional bathtub inlet arrangements, which may have to be modified slightly, or if desired, with a separate water pump. Because water is recirculated into the stream discharging from the nozzle, maximum use is made of the water available. This is particularly important in instances wherein available hot water is limited and a hot water massage is desirable. Experiments have shown that with the present invention the fluid volume discharge from the nozzle is about ten times the volume input and that the discharging stream has only slightly less velocity than does the input stream. The increased fluid volume is apparently due to the large amount of air that is entrained by the main stream of water as it is broken up in flowing past stem 35, and because the velocity of the liquid is maintained as it moves into air pocket 340 where it can move without being blocked by a liquid. The broken up stream forms many smaller separated jets, each of which presents an air entraining surface to entrain air entering through passages 32 and that then further entrain water entering through ports 29, when the unit is submerged. Maximum air and water entrainment is thus obtained and a maximum fluid mass is discharged from the unit.

As previously noted, the housing sections 21 and 22 of the nozzle are preferably made of a material that will not scratch or mar surfaces of containers in which they are used. Alternatively, they can be made of other materials and can then be coated with a protective cover of polyurethane or other suitable material. If desired, rubberized or plasticized magnets 44a can be adhesively secured to the body sections, or if desired, they could be molded therein. This allows a user to position the unit, in a bathtub, for example, and the magnets then hold it in place without marring the surface of the bathtub.

In FIG. 5, there is shown another embodiment of the invention. As shown, the housing 45 of the nozzle, shown generally at 46, is made of one piece cast polyurethane or other suitable, durable and non-marring material.

At its discharge end housing 45 has passage 47 flared toward the end and intersecting bores 48, spaced radially around the housing, intercept the other end of passage 47. A smaller passage 49, flared outwardly towards passage 47 is connected to the inner end of passage 47 such that an abrupt shoulder 50 is formed between the connecting passages.

The other end of passage 49 is smoothly connected to the curved smaller end 51a of an enlarged passage 51, the other end of which opens to form an intake for the housing 45. A tubular insert 52, having vanes 52a radiating therefrom is inserted into the intake end of passage 51 so that the vanes are tightly fitted therein.

One end 52b of insert 52 is exteriorly threaded toreceive a coupling 53 of a water hose 54. An air hose 55 is snap fitted in a groove 56 provided therefore around the intake end of housing 46.

The'other end of insert 52 is interiorly threaded to receive a curved nozzle piece 57. The discharge end of nozzle piece 57 has a bore 57a therethrough that is flared at substantially the same angle as is passage 59 and that is aligned with the passage 47 A stem 58 is threaded into bore 57a such that a head 58a thereof is positioned within the flared portion of bore 57a. Ports 57b through stem 58 allow free flow of water to the flared bore 57a.

In operation of the embodiment of FIG. 5, a main stream of water is supplied to the bore of insert 52 and passes out bore 57a and through an air pocket 57c. As the water passes through bore 57a, it is diffused by stem head 58a to form multiple jets of water that entrain air from passage 51 at the point where they connect into passage 49. The combined fluids essentially fill the Air passages 78, through piece 60b, connect the air passages 65 with the inlet end of piece 60b.

passage 49 and move from there into passage 47. As 5 the fluids move past shoulder 50 and the ports 48 adjacent thereto, other fluids are entrained. If the nozzle is in air at the time of its use additional air will be entrained, but if it is used in water additional water will be entrained. In either event, a minimum amount of main stream water flow will develop a maximum fluid discharge.

While the flow through the nozzle cannot be adjusted during use, it is a simple matter to withdraw the insert 52 and stem 57 and to change the setting of the stem with respect to the orifice 57a, thereby changing the flow.

In FIG. 6, there is shown an embodiment of the invention wherein the nozzle is angulated and is arranged with a squeeze operated valve to control flow. This embodiment is useful for hydro-therapy, in the same manner as the units heretofore described. In addition, it has proven especially useful in cleaning and deburring operations wherein the fluid thrust developed is used to impinge against inanimate articles. For common household use, it provides an extremely efficient dishwashing tool that makes maximum use of even a small volume of available hot water. For industrial purposes it is easily used in water or chemical tanks in the cleaning of objects or the blasting away of burrs or other undesired production irregularities.

As shown, the nozzle 60 is made of an outlet piece 60a and an inlet piece 60b, and the pieces are clamped together using an orifice 61. The discharge passage 62 in piece 60a is flared outwardly to the discharge end and the passage 63 through the orifice 61 if flared to be in substantial alignment with the passage 62, but spaced therefrom.

An enlarged chamber 64 forms an air pocket at the inlet end of piece 60a and air passages 65 are formed through a shoulder 66 at the inlet end. A shoulder 67 on the orifice 61 then fits against a seal on the shoulder 66 as the orifice is threaded into piece 60b.

An elastomeric, ring-shaped valve seat 68 is clamped between orifice 61 and a shoulder 69 formed inside the discharge end of piece60b. A valve head 70, on the end of a stem 71, is biased by a spring 72, that acts between the inner wall of the piece 60b and the valve head to normally rest on the valve seat, closing the passage 68a therethrough. The stem 71 extends slidably through the housing and an O-ring seal 72 therein before being pivotally connected at 73 to an operating handle 74. The handle is pivotally mounted at 75 to the piece 60b and, when pushed towards the piece 60b will pull the stem 71, against the bias of spring 72, to open the valve. A diffuser head 70a, connected by a stern 70b to the valve head 70, moves into passage 63 as the valve head is opened. The diffuser head then breaks up the stream passing through the passage 63' into air entraining multi-jets.

An enlarged cavity 76 is formed within piece 60b to receive the spring 72 and a liquid passage 77 extends from the cavity to the inlet end of piece 60b, normal to the passage 68a through orifice 68.

A flexible liquid supply hose 80 has one end connected to the inlet end of piece 60b such that it surrounds the water passage 77. The other end of the liquid supply hose is connected, in conventional fashion, to a liquid faucet, not shown.

Another flexible hose 81 surrounds hose 80 and is connected to the inlet end of piece 60a such that it surrounds the ends of air passages 78. In operation, nozzle 60 performs much like the nozzles heretofore described, except that it has a controllable valve action built in. Thus, when the valve head is opened, liquid flows through passages 77, 68a and 63. The diffuser head 70a serves to break up the liquid going through the passage 63 and it is therefore discharged as a multi-jet, i.e. with a multitude of sprays, each of which then entrains air entering through the hose 81' and passages and 65.

As the liquid and entrained air is discharged into discharge passage 62 it moves through air pocket 64 before substantially filling the passage. As it moves past ports 65 in the side wall of the piece 60a additional liquid or airis pulled in and is entrained, depending on the element in which the nozzle is. performing. As with the previously described nozzles a maximum discharge is thus created using only a small volume of liquid under pressure.

Because of its ease of control and its configuration, the nozzle 60 has proven especially useful in operations where control at the nozzle is desired and where the nozzle is to be operated from above a reservoir and at diverse angles. For this reason it is particularly useful in cleaning objects or in deburring parts and the like.

Although a preferred form of my invention has been herein disclosed, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is by way of example and that variations are possible, without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, which subject matter I regard as my invention.

lclaim: l. A fluid agitator comprising a housing having an inlet end and a discharge end; a discharge passage starting within the housing and terminating at the discharge end and being flared outwardly towards the discharge end;

means forming at least one opening through the housing at about the end opposite the discharge end to connect the discharge passage and a fluid medium surrounding the housing whereby the medium surrounding the housing is entrained into fluid discharging through the discharge passage;

means defining an orifice within the housing spaced from the discharge passage and in alignment therewith, said orifice being flared towards the discharge passage such that liquid passed therethrough moves into and substantially fills the discharge passage;

- means for supplying a liquid stream to the side of the orifice opposite the discharge passage;

means for breaking up the liquid stream applied to said orifice into multijets; and

means supplying air to the interior of the housing at the side of the orifice opposite the discharge passage, whereby said air is entrained in liquid moved through the orifice passage.

2. A fluid agitator as in claim 1, wherein an .enlarged chamber is provided between the the means for breaking up the liquid stream com,-

prises I a stem having a head thereon positioned within the orifice. 7. A liquid agitator as in claim 6, wherein the stem is fixed to and movable with the valve head. 8. A liquid agitator as in claim 1, wherein the housing is made of non-marring, non-heat conductive material.

9. A liquid agitator as in claim 8, wherein the housing is made of polyurethane. 10. A liquid agitator as in claim 9, further including magnets fixed to the exterior of the housing. 11. A liquid agitator as in claim 10, wherein the magnets comprise magnetized plastic. 

1. A fluid agitator comprising a housing having an inlet end and a discharge end; a discharge passage starting within the housing and terminating at the discharge end and being flared outwardly towards the discharge end; means forming at least one opening through the housing at about the end opposite the discharge end to connect the discharge passage and a fluid medium surrounding the housing whereby the medium surrounding the housing is entrained into fluid discharging through the discharge passage; means defining an orifice within the housing spaced from the discharge pAssage and in alignment therewith, said orifice being flared towards the discharge passage such that liquid passed therethrough moves into and substantially fills the discharge passage; means for supplying a liquid stream to the side of the orifice opposite the discharge passage; means for breaking up the liquid stream applied to said orifice into multijets; and means supplying air to the interior of the housing at the side of the orifice opposite the discharge passage, whereby said air is entrained in liquid moved through the orifice passage.
 2. A fluid agitator as in claim 1, wherein an enlarged chamber is provided between the discharge passage and the orifice.
 3. A liquid agitator as in claim 1, wherein the means for breaking up the liquid stream comprises a spray nozzle positioned upstream of the orifice.
 4. A liquid agitator as in claim 1, further including a valve head positioned upstream of the orifice.
 5. A liquid agitator as in claim 4, wherein the valve head is adapted to be adjustably positioned; and wherein means are provided for changing the position of the valve head to adjust the flow through the orifice.
 6. A liquid agitator as in claim 5, wherein the means for breaking up the liquid stream comprises a stem having a head thereon positioned within the orifice.
 7. A liquid agitator as in claim 6, wherein the stem is fixed to and movable with the valve head.
 8. A liquid agitator as in claim 1, wherein the housing is made of non-marring, non-heat conductive material.
 9. A liquid agitator as in claim 8, wherein the housing is made of polyurethane.
 10. A liquid agitator as in claim 9, further including magnets fixed to the exterior of the housing.
 11. A liquid agitator as in claim 10, wherein the magnets comprise magnetized plastic. 